The Ohio Geological Survey CO₂ Stratigraphic Test Well: A Diverse Team Achieves Common Objectives and Realizes Added Benefits

Doug Mullett and Larry Wickstrom
Ohio Division of Geological Survey, Columbus, OH

The Ohio deep borehole project brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to evaluate CO₂ injectivity and storage potential of deep saline reservoirs and the effectiveness of confining units at the test site. The State of Ohio budgeted approximately $2.3 million from the general revenue and clean coal research funds to meet the project’s objectives. The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) and the Ohio Division of Geological Survey (ODGS) collaborated with the Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (MRCSP) led by Battelle to drill a stratigraphic test well to the Precambrian in east central Ohio. Both coal and petroleum interests were directly represented, as well as local government, industry, and service companies.

Field operations were coordinated with oil and gas operators on an existing lease. Drilling commenced on May 10, 2007 and was completed on June 9, 2007 at a total depth of 8,695 feet. Strong gas shows were encountered within the lower Black River Limestone and Beekmantown Formations. An extensive suite of geophysical well logs and sidewall cores were obtained from the borehole. Slug and constant-pressure injectivity testing was conducted from two zones within the basal Cambrian sandstone and from three zones within the Rose Run sandstone. Approximately 3,000 gallons of treated brine was injected into the five zones. The maximum observed downhole pressures were 4,355 psi for the basal Cambrian sandstone and 3,825 psi for the Rose Run interval. Information collected from this project fills data gaps and provides input into continuing local and regional reservoir characterization and modeling efforts.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas